Marco Silva issues rallying call to Hull City fan base after boycott

Ed White

Hull's new head coach Marco Silva has called on the club's stay-away fans to get behind their team after marking his first game in charge with a 2-0 win against Swansea.

Silva, appointed as Mike Phelan's successor on Thursday, saw goals from Abel Hernandez and local boy Josh Tymon secure the Tigers their first win in all competitions since November 6.

Michael Dawson gave Hull City fans a worry ahead of next week's EFL Cup clash with Manchester United after limping off (Photo: PA)

But a crowd of only 6,608 was there to see the FA Cup third-round tie at the KCOM Stadium due to a boycott by Hull fans in protest against the club's owners.

"It's important for me that our fans believe in our team because we need help," said the 39-year-old former Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos coach.

"We need the other fans to support our team because to change the situation, to change our position in the table we need them.

"I hope in the next (home) game against Bournemouth there will be more people to help support us to try and win the game."

Silva, who won the Portuguese Cup with Sporting in 2015, told his players to put the club's off-field troubles to one side.

"With a good atmosphere it's better, sure," he said. "If the atmosphere's not good, I want my players to focus on things happening on the pitch.

"But I hope the next game we can change the situation."

Silva appeared to show the Midas touch in his first game in England, with each of his three second-half substitutes contributing in the two goals.

Hernandez marked his first appearance since being sidelined by a hamstring injury in early November by breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute and 17-year-old Tymon scored his first senior goal in stoppage time, just minutes after stepping off the bench.

Shaun Maloney, the third substitute, played a part in both goals and Silva said he had been fortunate with his replacements.

"Yes, it's our life. Sometimes it works very well. Today it's been very good," he said.

"I took a little risk in Abel Hernandez because he hasn't played much, but he's an important player for us."

Silva, without injured pair Curtis Davies and Harry Maguire, saw fellow centre-back Michael Dawson forced off with a shoulder injury in the second half, but Silva said he hoped his captain would be fit for next week's visit of Bournemouth.